Where to Find Listings
Several channels carry current salon listings in Melbourne.
- Online marketplaces: BusinessesForSale.com.au, SEEK Business and Gumtree Business list salons across all price points, and filters let you narrow by suburb, price and business type.
- Business brokers: Brokers such as Sunbelt Business Brokers and Link Business handle sales of beauty, hair and wellness businesses. They usually prepare information memorandums and screen buyers.
- Industry networks: Suppliers, product distributors and franchise groups sometimes know of owners planning to sell before a business is publicly advertised.
- Direct approaches: Some buyers contact owners of salons they admire. This can work, though it requires patience and a clear offer.
Typical Prices and What Affects Them
Salons are commonly valued as a multiple of annual net profit (often 1.5 to 3 times) plus the value of stock. Location, lease length, revenue consistency and the range of services all move the figure.
- Small or home-based salons ($40,000 to $90,000): One or two treatment rooms, a small client base and usually a single operator.
- Established suburban salons ($100,000 to $250,000): Several staff, a steady client book and services such as facials, waxing, nails, lash and brow treatments.
- Premium or multi-room salons ($250,000 to $400,000 or more): Prominent locations such as the CBD, South Yarra, Toorak or Brighton, often with laser, skin clinic or day spa services.
Asking prices are a starting point. Request at least two years of profit and loss statements, BAS records and tax returns, and have an accountant check them.
Due Diligence Before Buying
A salon is only worth what its income and lease can support, so a few checks matter more than the fit-out.
- Lease: Confirm the remaining term, renewal options, rent reviews and whether the landlord will assign the lease to you. A short lease weakens the value of the business.
- Client base: Find out how much revenue depends on the current owner. If most clients are loyal to one therapist, ask how that relationship will transfer.
- Staff: Review employment contracts, award classification (Hair and Beauty Industry Award), accrued leave and whether key staff will stay.
- Equipment and licences: Check the age and ownership of equipment, particularly laser or IPL machines, which carry specific licensing and safety obligations in Victoria.
- Booking data: Ask for system reports showing repeat visit rates and average spend per client.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to buy a beauty salon in Melbourne?
Most sales fall between $60,000 and $300,000, depending on location, turnover and the services offered. Add stamp duty on business assets where applicable, legal fees, and working capital for the first few months.
Do I need qualifications to run a beauty salon in Victoria?
Owning a salon does not require a beauty qualification, but anyone performing treatments should hold the relevant certificate (for example Certificate III in Beauty Services). Cosmetic injectables and some laser treatments have additional regulatory requirements, and premises must meet local council health registration rules for skin penetration and similar services.
Is it cheaper to buy an existing salon or start a new one?
Buying an existing salon costs more upfront, but it comes with an established client base, equipment and trading history, which reduces the slow ramp-up period of a new business. Starting fresh suits buyers with a clear niche and the capital to fund a fit-out and marketing.
